Based on the RP Data-Rismark Home Value Index, over the 11 months to November values fell by -0.1% across the combined capital cities with house values falling by -0.4% and unit values increasing by 1.6%.

Over the first 11 months of 2011, capital city home values had fallen by -3.8% with house values down -4.0% compared to a -2.6% decline in unit values.

But the trend is now up

Capital city home values have been trending higher since May of this year and the data indicates that conditions throughout 2012 have been superior to those in 2011 albeit values still fell.

There are a number of reasons why the market conditions have been so poor over the past year. Namely, the growth in housing credit has been extremely limited, consumer confidence has been at lower levels and affordability barriers have been prevalent in the market over most of the year due to the higher mortgage rate environment.

Although market conditions have generally been quite weak over the last 12 months, as is normally the case, select areas of the country have well and truly outperformed.

RPData have compiled a a list of the top performing suburbs around Australia over the 12 months to September 2012. Specifically, the analysis will look at:

Highest median sale prices

Most affordable median sale prices

Most affordable median sale prices within 10km of the capital city

Highest indicative gross rental yields

Highest indicative gross rental yields within 10km of the capital city

Greatest increase in median selling price over the past 12 months

Greatest increase in median selling price over the past five years

Highest median weekly advertised rental rates

Most affordable median weekly advertised rental rates

Highest gross value of sales

The table below details the top performers nationwide for each category:

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